Government intensifying efforts to resolve Gundrevula project woes, say Ministers

Andhra Pradesh ministers Nimmala Ramanaidu and Gottipati Ravi Kumar disclosed on Monday that their state was intensifying efforts to resolve inter-State disputes related to the Gundrevula project and to advance irrigation and drinking water initiatives in western Kurnool. They emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring water security for Rayalaseema, a priority for the NDA coalition government, and a promise to conclude projects initiated under previous TDP administrations.

The ministers criticized the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), alleging that the previous administration had ignored irrigation needs in the region despite winning 49 out of 52 assembly seats in Rayalaseema during the 2019 elections. They contended that the TDP government had invested nearly ₹12,000 crore in irrigation between 2014 and 2019, significantly more than the ₹2,000 crore spent by the YSRCP between 2019 and 2024.

Ramanaidu and Ravi Kumar announced that ₹17 crore would be allocated for pending bills and maintenance of Guru Raghavendra motors in western Kurnool. They also revealed that ₹1,600 crore would be allocated for the Vedavathi project, which is slated for completion by 2029. Furthermore, ₹60 crore would be earmarked for repairs to the Gorakallu reservoir, with plans in place to supply water to Kadapa and Pulivendula via Gandikota and Chitravathi.

Regarding the Handri-Neeva project, the government is currently transporting 3,800 cusecs and has sanctioned ₹1,300 crore for the Neeva branch and ₹700 crore for the Madakasira. The ministers reiterated that the coalition government's primary objective is to provide irrigation and drinking water to Rayalaseema.